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Ma J, Jiang J. ATG8 inhibited endometriosis formation by regulating Treg cells differentiation via integrin α4β1 and Talin-1 interaction. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103646. [PMID: 38290387 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the relationship between ATG8 and integrin α4β1, Talin-1, and Treg cell differentiation, and the effects on endometriosis (EMS)? DESIGN First, the correlation between the ATG8, Talin-1, integrin α4β1, and differentiation of Treg cells and EMS was examined in clinical samples. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and endometrial stromal cells were extracted and identified, oe-ATG8 and oe-integrin α4β1 were transfected to overexpress ATG8 and integrin α4β1, and Tregs cell differentiation and endometrial stromal cells (ESC) function were detected. In addition, the molecular mechanism by which ATG8 inhibited EMS disease progression at the molecular and animal levels was investigated. RESULTS ATG8 expression was negatively correlated with positive proportion of Tregs cells (P = 0.0463). The expression of Talin-1 and integrin-α4β1 (both P < 0.0001) in PBMC decreased significantly after oe-ATG8 transfection, whereas the Treg cells' positive rate significantly increased (P = 0.0003). The ESC proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion (all P < 0.0001) declined after co-culture with Treg cells that underwent oe-ATG8 transfection. The expression of Talin-1 (P = 0.0025) and integrin-α4β1 (P = 0.0002) in PBMC increased significantly after oe-integrin α4β1 and oe-ATG8 transfection. In addition, this transfection reversed the corresponding regulation of oe-ATG8 transfection. Finally, animal experiments in vivo confirmed that ATG8 inhibited EMS disease progression. CONCLUSION The ATG8 regulated Treg cell differentiation and inhibited EMS formation by influencing the interaction between integrin α4β1 and Talin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhi Ma
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Jianfa Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China..
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2
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Tang F, Deng M, Xu C, Yang R, Ji X, Hao M, Wang Y, Tian M, Geng Y, Miao J. Unraveling the microbial puzzle: exploring the intricate role of gut microbiota in endometriosis pathogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1328419. [PMID: 38435309 PMCID: PMC10904627 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1328419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMs) is a prevalent gynecological disorder characterized by the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterine cavity, causing debilitating symptoms and infertility. Despite its prevalence, the exact mechanisms behind EMs development remain incompletely understood. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the relationship between gut microbiota imbalance and EMs pathogenesis. Recent research indicates that gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in various aspects of EMs, including immune regulation, generation of inflammatory factors, angiopoietin release, hormonal regulation, and endotoxin production. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota can disrupt immune responses, leading to inflammation and impaired immune clearance of endometrial fragments, resulting in the development of endometriotic lesions. The dysregulated microbiota can contribute to the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), triggering chronic inflammation and promoting ectopic endometrial adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, gut microbiota involvement in estrogen metabolism affects estrogen levels, which are directly related to EMs development. The review also highlights the potential of gut microbiota as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for EMs. Interventions such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the use of gut microbiota preparations have demonstrated promising effects in reducing EMs symptoms. Despite the progress made, further research is needed to unravel the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and EMs, paving the way for more effective prevention and treatment strategies for this challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jinwei Miao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
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3
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Gibbons T, Rahmioglu N, Zondervan KT, Becker CM. Crimson clues: advancing endometriosis detection and management with novel blood biomarkers. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:145-163. [PMID: 38309818 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of the female-born population. Despite its prevalence, the lack of noninvasive biomarkers has contributed to an established global diagnostic delay. The intricate pathophysiology of this enigmatic disease may leave signatures in the blood, which, when detected, can be used as noninvasive biomarkers. This review provides an update on how investigators are utilizing the established disease pathways and innovative methodologies, including genome-wide association studies, next-generation sequencing, and machine learning, to unravel the clues left in the blood to develop blood biomarkers. Many blood biomarkers show promise in the discovery phase, but because of a lack of standardized and robust methodologies, they rarely progress to the development stages. However, we are now seeing biomarkers being validated with high diagnostic accuracy and improvements in standardization protocols, providing promise for the future of endometriosis blood biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Gibbons
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Nilufer Rahmioglu
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christian M Becker
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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4
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Yin W, Li X, Liu P, Li Y, Liu J, Yu S, Tai S. Digestive system deep infiltrating endometriosis: What do we know. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3649-3661. [PMID: 37632165 PMCID: PMC10718155 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive system infiltrating endometriosis (DSIE) is an uncommon form of endometriosis in the digestive system. DSIE often occurs in the intestines (especially the sigmoid rectum), liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Clinically, DSIE presents with the same symptoms as endometriosis, including cyclic pain, bleeding and infertility, in addition to specific biliary/intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding. Compared to general endometriosis, DSIE has unique biological behaviour and pathophysiological mechanisms. Most DSIEs are deep invasive endometrioses, characterized by metastasis to the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels, angiogenesis, peripheral nerve recruitment, fibrosis and invasion of surrounding tissues. DSIE-related peripheral angiogenesis is divided into three patterns: angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and inosculation. These patterns are regulated by interactions between multiple hypoxia-hormone cytokines. The nerve growth factors regulate the extensive neurofibril recruitment in DSIE lesions, which accounts for severe symptoms of deep pain. They are also associated with fibrosis and the aggressiveness of DSIE. Cyclic changes in DSIE lesions, recurrent inflammation and oxidative stress promote repeated tissue injury and repair (ReTIAR) mechanisms in the lesions, accelerating fibril formation and cancer-related mutations. Similar to malignant tumours, DSIE can also exhibit aggressiveness derived from collective cell migration mediated by E-cadherin and N-cadherin. This often makes DSIE misdiagnosed as a malignant tumour of the digestive system in clinical practice. In addition to surgery, novel treatments are urgently required to effectively eradicate this lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenze Yin
- Department of Hepatic SurgerySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of PathologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Peng Liu
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Yingjie Li
- Department of PathologySix Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of PathologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of PathologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Sheng Tai
- Department of Hepatic SurgerySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
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5
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Fan D, Wang X, Shi Z, Jiang Y, Zheng B, Xu L, Zhou S. Understanding endometriosis from an immunomicroenvironmental perspective. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1897-1909. [PMID: 37439327 PMCID: PMC10431529 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Endometriosis, a heterogeneous, inflammatory, and estrogen-dependent gynecological disease defined by the presence and growth of endometrial tissues outside the lining of the uterus, affects approximately 5-10% of reproductive-age women, causing chronic pelvic pain and reduced fertility. Although the etiology of endometriosis is still elusive, emerging evidence supports the idea that immune dysregulation can promote the survival and growth of retrograde endometrial debris. Peritoneal macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells exhibit deficient cytotoxicity in the endometriotic microenvironment, leading to inefficient eradication of refluxed endometrial fragments. In addition, the imbalance of T-cell subtypes results in aberrant cytokine production and chronic inflammation, which contribute to endometriosis development. Although it remains uncertain whether immune dysregulation represents an initial cause or merely a secondary enhancer of endometriosis, therapies targeting altered immune pathways exhibit satisfactory effects in preventing disease onset and progression. Here, we summarize the phenotypic and functional alterations of immune cells in the endometriotic microenvironment, focusing on their interactions with microbiota and endocrine and nervous systems, and how these interactions contribute to the etiology and symptomology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhixian Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | | | - Bohao Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Lian Xu
- Department of Pathology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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6
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Spagnolo E, Martinez A, Mascarós-Martínez A, Marí-Alexandre J, Carbonell M, González-Cantó E, Pena-Burgos EM, Mc Cormack BA, Tomás-Pérez S, Gilabert-Estellés J, López-Carrasco A, Hidalgo P, Ángeles MA, Redondo A, Gallego A, Hernández A. Evaluation of Immune Infiltrates in Ovarian Endometriosis and Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: Relationship with Histological and Clinical Features. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12083. [PMID: 37569458 PMCID: PMC10418839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND the association between ovarian endometriosis (OE) and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) is extensively documented, and misfunction of the immune system might be involved. The primary objective of this study was to identify and compare the spatial distribution of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in OE and EAOC. Secondary objectives included the analysis of the relationship between immunosuppressive populations and T-cell exhaustion markers in both groups. METHODS TILs (CD3, CD4, and CD8) and macrophages (CD163) were assessed by immunochemistry. Exhaustion markers (PD-1, TIM3, CD39, and FOXP3) and their relationship with tumour-associated macrophages (CD163) were assessed by immunofluorescence on paraffin-embedded samples from n = 43 OE and n = 54 EAOC patients. RESULTS we observed a predominantly intraepithelial CD3+ distribution in OE but both an intraepithelial and stromal pattern in EAOC (p < 0.001). TILs were more abundant in OE (p < 0.001), but higher TILs significantly correlated with a longer overall survival and disease-free survival in EAOC (p < 0.05). CD39 and FOXP3 significantly correlated with each other and CD163 (p < 0.05) at the epithelial level in moderate/intense CD4 EAOC, whereas in moderate/intense CD8+, PD-1+ and TIM3+ significantly correlated (p = 0.009). Finally, T-cell exhaustion markers FOXP3-CD39 were decreased and PD-1-TIM3 were significantly increased in EAOC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS the dysregulation of TILs, TAMs, and T-cell exhaustion might play a role in the malignization of OE to EAOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Spagnolo
- Department of Gynecology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.); (M.C.); (A.L.-C.); (A.H.)
- Research Institute “IdiPaz”, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martinez
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud-Institut Universitaire du Cancer du Toulouse (IUCT) Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.M.); (M.A.Á.)
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, UMR 1037 INSERM, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Josep Marí-Alexandre
- Department of Pathology, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Foundation, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-C.); (B.A.M.C.); (S.T.-P.); (J.G.-E.)
| | - María Carbonell
- Department of Gynecology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.); (M.C.); (A.L.-C.); (A.H.)
- Research Institute “IdiPaz”, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva González-Cantó
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Foundation, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-C.); (B.A.M.C.); (S.T.-P.); (J.G.-E.)
| | | | - Bárbara Andrea Mc Cormack
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Foundation, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-C.); (B.A.M.C.); (S.T.-P.); (J.G.-E.)
| | - Sarai Tomás-Pérez
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Foundation, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-C.); (B.A.M.C.); (S.T.-P.); (J.G.-E.)
| | - Juan Gilabert-Estellés
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Foundation, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-C.); (B.A.M.C.); (S.T.-P.); (J.G.-E.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana López-Carrasco
- Department of Gynecology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.); (M.C.); (A.L.-C.); (A.H.)
- Research Institute “IdiPaz”, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Hidalgo
- Department of Radiology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Martina Aida Ángeles
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud-Institut Universitaire du Cancer du Toulouse (IUCT) Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.M.); (M.A.Á.)
| | - Andrés Redondo
- Department of Medical Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Alejandro Gallego
- Department of Medical Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Alicia Hernández
- Department of Gynecology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.); (M.C.); (A.L.-C.); (A.H.)
- Research Institute “IdiPaz”, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Cousins FL, McKinnon BD, Mortlock S, Fitzgerald HC, Zhang C, Montgomery GW, Gargett CE. New concepts on the etiology of endometriosis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1090-1105. [PMID: 36746607 PMCID: PMC10946875 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a serious, chronic disorder where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain and infertility. It affects 11% of women. Endometriosis is a multifactorial disorder of unclear etiology, although retrograde menstruation plays a major role. It has a genetic component with over 40 genetic risk factors mapped, although their mechanism of action is still emerging. New evidence suggests a role for retrograde menstruation of endometrial stem/progenitor cells, now that identifying markers of these cells are available. Recent lineage tracing and tissue clearing microscopy and 3D reconstruction has provided new understanding of endometrial glandular structure, particularly the horizontal orientation and interconnection of basalis glands. New sequencing technologies, particularly whole genome DNA sequencing are revealing somatic mutations, including in cancer driver genes, in normal and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis, as well as ectopic endometriotic lesions. Methylome sequencing is offering insight into the regulation of genes and the role of the environmental factors. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptome of individual endometrial cells, shedding new light on the diversity and range of cellular subpopulations of the major cell types present in the endometrium and in endometriotic lesions. New endometrial epithelial organoid cultures replicating glandular epithelium are providing tractable models for studying endometriosis. Organoids derived from menstrual fluid offer a non-invasive source of endometrial tissue and a new avenue for testing drugs and developing personalized medicine for treating endometriosis. These new approaches are rapidly advancing our understanding of endometriosis etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brett D. McKinnon
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Sally Mortlock
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Harriet C. Fitzgerald
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Grant W. Montgomery
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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8
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Fujii M, Tanaka Y, Okimura H, Maeda E, Hamaguchi M, Fukui M, Kitawaki J, Mori T. Decrease in activated regulatory T cell populations in the endometrium during ovulation in endometriosis. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103825. [PMID: 36758472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a serious disorder that can lead to infertility. The immune system, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs), is involved in endometriosis and infertility; however, endometriosis-associated infertility is poorly understood. Tregs, which have an immunosuppressive function, fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. They are functionally heterogeneous and can be divided into subsets, with only activated Tregs (aTregs) having a true immunosuppressive function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of aTregs in endometriosis and how they contribute to endometriosis-associated infertility. We enrolled 72 women with (n = 39) and without (n = 33) endometriosis. Subpopulations of Tregs were examined in normal endometrium (NE), eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis (EE), normal peritoneal fluid (N-PF), and peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis (E-PF) via flow cytometry. The proportion of aTregs during the ovulatory phase was higher in NE than in EE (P < 0.05), and that during ovulatory and secretory phases was significantly higher in NE than in N-PF (P < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). aTreg populations did not significantly differ between EE and E-PF. During the ovulatory phase, the proportion of resting Treg (rTreg) in the N-PF was significantly higher than during the proliferative phase (P < 0.05). The E-PF of rTreg populations did not differ significantly throughout the menstrual cycle. We found that Treg subsets were altered in the endometrium and PF of patients with endometriosis during the menstrual cycle. Our findings, particularly the reduction of aTregs in the EE, may provide an insight into the mechanism of endometriosis-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Okimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Eiko Maeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masahide Hamaguchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Michiaki Fukui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Jo Kitawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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9
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Chen S, Liu Y, Zhong Z, Wei C, Liu Y, Zhu X. Peritoneal immune microenvironment of endometriosis: Role and therapeutic perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1134663. [PMID: 36865552 PMCID: PMC9971222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1134663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissues outside the uterine cavity, affects 10% of reproductive-age women. Although the pathogenesis of endometriosis is uncertain, it is widely accepted that retrograde menstruation results in ectopic endometrial tissue implantation. Given that not all women with retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis, immune factors have been hypothesized to affect the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In this review, we demonstrate that the peritoneal immune microenvironment, including innate immunity and adaptive immunity, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Current evidence supports the fact that immune cells, such as macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, T cells, and B cells, as well as cytokines and inflammatory mediators, contribute to the vascularization and fibrogenesis of endometriotic lesions, accelerating the implantation and development of ectopic endometrial lesions. Endocrine system dysfunction influences the immune microenvironment through overexpressed estrogen and progesterone resistance. In light of the limitations of hormonal therapy, we describe the prospects for potential diagnostic biomarkers and nonhormonal therapy based on the regulation of the immune microenvironment. Further studies are warranted to explore the available diagnostic biomarkers and immunological therapeutic strategies for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siman Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yukai Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhong
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Wei
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyin Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyong Zhu,
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10
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Suszczyk D, Skiba W, Zardzewiały W, Pawłowska A, Włodarczyk K, Polak G, Tarkowski R, Wertel I. Clinical Value of the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 Pathway in Patients Suffering from Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911607. [PMID: 36232911 PMCID: PMC9570092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells mediated by the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2) pathway is the most important point in regulating immunological tolerance and autoimmunity. Disturbances in the quantity, maturity, and activity of DCs may be involved in the implantation and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus in endometriosis (EMS). However, little is known about the role of the immune checkpoint pathways in EMS. In our study, we examined the expression of PD-L1/PD-L2 on myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in the peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) of both EMS patients (n = 72) and healthy subjects (n = 20) via flow cytometry. The concentration of soluble PD-L1 and PD-L2 in the plasma and PF of EMS patients and the control group were determined using ELISA. We demonstrated an elevated percentage of mDCs, mDCs and pDCs with the PD-L1or PD-L2 expression, and a higher concentration of the soluble forms of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in the PF than in the plasma of EMS patients. We conclude that the peritoneal cavity environment and the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 axis may play an important role in the modulation of immune response and the development and/or progression of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Suszczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Wiktoria Skiba
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Witold Zardzewiały
- Students’ Scientific Association, Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Pawłowska
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Włodarczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Polak
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecologic Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecologic Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Tan J, Xu T, Gou Y, Wang H, Liang Z, Cao Y, Wang H, Yu Y, Jiao N, Zhang Z. CCL20/CCR6 axis mediates macrophages to promote proliferation and migration of ESCs by blocking autophagic flux in endometriosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:294. [PMID: 35841069 PMCID: PMC9284876 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EMs) is a common benign gynecological disease that affects approximately 10% of females of reproductive age. Endometriosis ectopic lesions could recruit macrophages, which in turn facilitates endometriosis progression. Several studies have indicated that CCL20 derived from macrophages activates the expression of CCR6 in several cells and induces cell proliferation and migration. However, the function of the CCL20/CCR6 axis in the interactions between macrophages and endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) in EMs has yet to be elucidated. Methods Ectopic and normal endometrial tissues were collected from 35 ovarian endometriosis patients and 21 control participants for immunohistochemical staining. It was confirmed that macrophages secreted CCL20 to promote CCR6 activation of ESCs during co-culture by ELISA, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. CCK8 and Edu assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and wound healing and Transwell assay were used to detect cell migration. Autophagic flux was detected by measuring the protein expression levels of LC3 and P62by western blot and analyzing the red/yellow puncta after ESCs were transfected with mRFP-GFP-LC3 double fluorescence adenovirus (Ad‐LC3). Lysosomal function was tested by quantifying the fluorescent intensities of Lyso-tracker and Gal3 and activity of acid phosphatase. In addition, co-IP experiments verified the binding relationship between CCR6 and TFEB. Finally, the suppressive effect of CCL20-NAb on endometriosis lesions in vivo was demonstrated in mice models. Results We demonstrated that macrophages secreted CCL20 to promote CCR6 activation of ESCs during co-culture, which further induced the proliferation and migration of ESCs. We observed that the CCL20/CCR6 axis impaired lysosomal function and then blocked the autolysosome degradation process of autophagic flux in ESCs. The combination of CCR6 and TFEB to inhibit TFEB nuclear translocation mediates the role of the CCL20/CCR6 axis in the above process. We also found that co-culture with ESCs upregulated the production and secretion of CCL20 by macrophages. The suppression effect of CCL20-NAb on endometriosis lesions in vivo was demonstrated in mice models. Conclusions Our data indicate that macrophages block TFEB-mediated autolysosome degradation process of autophagic flux in ESCs via the CCL20/CCR6 axis, thereby promoting ESC proliferation and migration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02981-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Tenghan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Luohe Central Hospital, Luohe, China
| | - Yanling Gou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Honglin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zongwen Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yingying Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yangyang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Na Jiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zongfeng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 148 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, China.
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12
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Bunis DG, Wang W, Vallvé-Juanico J, Houshdaran S, Sen S, Ben Soltane I, Kosti I, Vo KC, Irwin JC, Giudice LC, Sirota M. Whole-Tissue Deconvolution and scRNAseq Analysis Identify Altered Endometrial Cellular Compositions and Functionality Associated With Endometriosis. Front Immunol 2022; 12:788315. [PMID: 35069565 PMCID: PMC8766492 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.788315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterine lining (endometrium) exhibits a pro-inflammatory phenotype in women with endometriosis, resulting in pain, infertility, and poor pregnancy outcomes. The full complement of cell types contributing to this phenotype has yet to be identified, as most studies have focused on bulk tissue or select cell populations. Herein, through integrating whole-tissue deconvolution and single-cell RNAseq, we comprehensively characterized immune and nonimmune cell types in the endometrium of women with or without disease and their dynamic changes across the menstrual cycle. We designed metrics to evaluate specificity of deconvolution signatures that resulted in single-cell identification of 13 novel signatures for immune cell subtypes in healthy endometrium. Guided by statistical metrics, we identified contributions of endometrial epithelial, endothelial, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, classical dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes to the endometrial pro-inflammatory phenotype, underscoring roles for nonimmune as well as immune cells to the dysfunctionality of this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Bunis
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sahar Houshdaran
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Isam Ben Soltane
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Idit Kosti
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kim Chi Vo
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Juan C Irwin
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marina Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Brunty S, Clower L, Mitchell B, Fleshman T, Zgheib NB, Santanam N. Peritoneal Modulators of Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:793297. [PMID: 34900746 PMCID: PMC8655857 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.793297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the 4th largest cause of cancer death in women. Approximately 10-15% of women of childbearing age suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is defined by the growth and presence of endometrial tissue (lesions) outside of the uterus. The women with endometriosis also have an increased presence of peritoneal fluid (PF) that comprises of inflammatory cells, growth factors, cytokines/chemokines, etc. Epidemiological studies have shown that >3% of women with endometriosis develop ovarian cancer (low-grade serous or endometrioid types). Our hypothesis is that the PF from women with endometriosis induces transformative changes in the ovarian cells, leading to ovarian cancer development. PF from women with and without endometriosis was collected after IRB approval and patient consent. IOSE (human normal ovarian epithelial cells) and TOV-21G cells (human ovarian clear cell carcinoma cell line) were treated with various volumes of PF (no endometriosis or endometriosis) for 48 or 96 h and proliferation measured. Expression levels of epigenetic regulators and FoxP3, an inflammatory tumor suppressor, were determined. A Human Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Crosstalk RT2 Profiler PCR array was used to measure changes in cancer related genes in treated cells. Results showed increased growth of TOV-21G cells treated with PF from women with endometriosis versus without endometriosis and compared to IOSE cells. Endo PF treatment induced EZH2, H3K27me3, and FoxP3. The RT2 PCR array of TOV-21G cells treated with endo PF showed upregulation of various inflammatory genes (TLRs, Myd88, etc.). These studies indicate that PF from women with endometriosis can both proliferate and transform ovarian cells and hence this microenvironment plays a major mechanistic role in the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Brunty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Lauren Clower
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Brenda Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Taylor Fleshman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Nadim Bou Zgheib
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Nalini Santanam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
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